Gabala day trip from Baku: cable car, lake, mosque, waterfall

Juma Mosque, a mountain lake, the world's longest cable car, and a seven-tiered waterfall in one day

A full-day guided tour from Baku to Gabala covers five major stops: the 1,200-year-old Juma Mosque in Shamakhi, Nohur Lake at 700 meters elevation with boat and catamaran rides, the Tufandag cable car complex with over 5 kilometers of mountain walking trails and four stations, and Seven Beauties Waterfall. The tour departs around 8 a.m., includes hotel pickup in Baku, a professional English or Russian-speaking guide, and air-conditioned transport; lunch and cable car tickets are booked separately.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day Gabala tour from Baku

• Start tour from meeting point
• Visit Juma Mosque in Shamakhi
• Visit Nohur Lake and enjoy boat ride
• Have lunch at Nohur Lake restaurant
• Visit Tufandag Summer-Winter Complex
• Ride cable car and explore nature
• Visit Seven Beauties Waterfall
• Return to starting point

The Experience

The day starts with pickup from your Baku hotel around 8 a.m., then heads to Shamakhi to visit Juma Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Caucasus and among the first built after the Arab occupation—constructed over 1,200 years ago and still standing as a major religious structure. From there the route moves into the mountains toward Gabala, stopping at Nohur Lake, which sits 700 meters above sea level and is ringed by three peaks: Yumru, Goydag and Gulluburun. The lake is surrounded by forest, and the quiet makes it a natural break from the city; you can take a boat or catamaran across the water to see the Caucasus range, or try horse riding along the shore. A restaurant at the lake serves lunch if you want to eat there.

The afternoon centers on Tufandag Summer-Winter Touristic Complex, about 4 kilometers from Gabala city. The cable car here is the longest in the world, and from the top you see the full panorama of Gabala and the surrounding mountains. The complex has more than 5 kilometers of marked walking trails across four stations, so you can spend as much time as you want moving through the landscape on foot. The terrain suits all fitness levels, and the views change with the season—in winter the peaks hold snow; in summer the valleys are open and green.

The final stop is Seven Beauties Waterfall near Vendam village, about 6 kilometers from the main road. The falls cascade from the highest Caucasus peaks and are among the region's most photographed natural attractions. From there the guide drives you back to Baku, arriving in the evening. The whole day runs 12 to 13 hours, and you can book either as a group tour or a private trip.

What’s included

• Professional tour guide in English or Russian.
• air-conditioned transport.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Baku.
• boat and catamaran rides at Nohur Lake.
• access to all five main stops (Juma Mosque, Nohur Lake, Tufandag cable car complex with mountain trails, and Seven Beauties Waterfall).

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Azerbaijan Travel

Is this one for you?Choose the group tour if you want to meet other travelers and share costs; book the private trip if you prefer your own pace and flexibility at each stop. Either way, the 12-to-13-hour day is built to fit all the major sights without rushing between them, and the guide handles the route so you only navigate where you stand.

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Top questions

What is Juma Mosque in Shamakhi, and why is it on this tour?

Juma Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Azerbaijan and one of the first built in the Caucasus after the Arab occupation, constructed over 1,200 years ago. It is the opening stop on the tour because it is a major historical and religious landmark that still stands as a significant structure in the region.

Can I swim or boat at Nohur Lake, or is it just for looking?

Nohur Lake is set up for active use. You can take a boat or catamaran ride across the water to see the Caucasus Mountains up close, or try horse riding along the shore. The lake sits at 700 meters elevation and is surrounded by forest, so it is a place to move around and spend time, not just view from the bank.

How long is the cable car ride at Tufandag, and what do you see from the top?

Tufandag has the world's longest cable car, and from the top you see the complete panorama of Gabala and the surrounding mountains. The complex includes more than 5 kilometers of walking trails across four stations, so you can spend the afternoon moving through the landscape on foot at your own pace.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. A restaurant operates at Nohur Lake where you can order and pay separately, or you can bring your own food. Cable car tickets at Tufandag are also purchased separately.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour departs around 8 a.m. from your hotel in Baku (or from a central meeting point if your hotel is not on the pickup list) and returns in the evening after 12 to 13 hours. The exact return time depends on traffic and how long you spend at each stop.

Can I book this as a private tour instead of a group tour?

Yes, the tour is available as either a group tour or a private trip. You choose which option at checkout. Both include the same stops, guide service in English or Russian, and hotel pickup from Baku.